Summary

Description

Patella depressa is distinguished from Patella vulgata by its smaller, flatter shell. The outer surface of the shell is greyish, the inner surface yellowish-white with brown marginal rays. The foot is olive to dark grey (almost black), on tentacles around the edge of mantle white. Apex of the shell anterior. Shell length up to 3 cm long.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Patella depressa is a southern species predominately found on the south and west coasts of the British Isles.

Global distribution

Found on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and in the Mediterranean.

Habitat

On exposed, wave-beaten rocky shores from the middle to the lower shore.

Depth range

-

Identifying features

Capricious brilliant white marginal tentacles.

Blackish foot.

Brown rays on inside of shell.

Strongly ridged shell with a squarish rear edge and two capricious rays running to the edge.

Additional information

Patella depressa is notable for not having spread to Ireland from Britain, almost certainly because the distance across St. George's channel is too great for larval dispersal. Seawater warming as a result of climate change is likely to result in northward migration of distribution.

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